Most 6s by a batsman in IPL history

T20 cricket has revolutionized the game and batting, in particular, has become a lot more inventive and effective. Batsmen have found ways to score runs and hit a lot more boundaries. Power hitting has become a part of the game and T20 cricket, in particular, has seen the evolution of power hitting.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen multiple batsmen dominate and strike numerous sixes. Big hits have become a regular part of the limited-overs game and the fans simply love watching the ball fly over the ropes and into the stands and over them as well.

In 11 seasons of the IPL, a staggering 7379 sixes have been hit so far. This amounts to an average of almost 671 sixes per season which is about 11 per game. Hence, six-hitting has been the norm. Thus, with the 12th edition of the IPL not too far away and set to be underway in a few days, let’s rewind and look back at the batsmen with most sixes in the history of the IPL.

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#5 Rohit Sharma – 184 sixes

The Indian limited-overs vice-captain is one of the most successful IPL captains. Rohit Sharma is one of the only two captains to have lifted the IPL title thrice. However, as a batsman, Rohit Sharma isn’t far behind. He is the third highest run-getter in the history of the IPL.

The Mumbai Indians skipper has amassed 4493 runs in 173 matches. He has an average of 31.86 and a strike-rate of 131.02. One of the things Rohit Sharma is known for is his six-hitting ability. He is amongst the top six-hitters in international cricket (352 sixes across all three formats).

He is also ranked fifth on the all-time six-hitting list of the IPL. He has struck 184 sixes so far and looks hungry for more. He could well climb to the second spot this IPL as there’s not too much difference between him and the second spot.

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#4 Suresh Raina – 185 sixes

Suresh Raina could well be termed as ‘Mr IPL’. In the past 11 seasons, there hasn’t been a single edition in which Raina hasn’t scored 350 runs. In fact, he mustered under 400 runs in just two seasons (2015 and 2016) in his IPL career.

He has been the flagbearer of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for nine years and when they were banned, he continued his prolific run for the Gujarat Lions. Raina is the highest run-getter in the history of the game. Having scored 4985 runs at an average of 34.37, the Uttar Pradesh left-hander could well become the first man to scale 5000 runs in IPL cricket.

Moreover, he has scored 185 sixes so far in his IPL career. He is fourth on the list of the batsmen with most sixes in the IPL. He is also the most capped IPL player as he has featured in 176 games and has barely missed a game or two in the history of the league.

#3 MS Dhoni – 186 sixes

MS Dhoni will arguably go down as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen the world has ever seen. In terms of stats, both with the bat and with the gloves, he is one of the best wicket-keepers to have played in the IPL. He has amassed 4016 runs at an average of 40.16 which is one of the best for players who have scored in excess of 500 runs.

He is one of the best captains in the history of the IPL as he has won three IPL titles and has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to the playoffs in every season they’ve played.

Dhoni entered the world stage 15 years ago as one of the fiercest strikers of the ball on the back of his ability to clear any boundary with ease. Hence, it is no surprise that the former Indian skipper is in the list of batsmen with most sixes in the IPL. In fact, he has the most sixes by an Indian in this league. With 186 sixes, Dhoni is placed third on this list.

#2 AB de Villiers – 187 sixes

AB de Villiers is one of the best overseas players to have participated in the IPL. He is undoubtedly a big part of the IPL and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

After a low-key first three years with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), his move to the Royal Challengers Bangalore turned things around for him as far as IPL cricket is concerned. His partnership with RCB skipper Virat Kohli is a remarkable one and he is absolutely vital to RCB’s success.

In this list, de Villiers has played the second least number of innings (129) and yet he is in the second place. He has struck 187 sixes and does not lead the fifth-placed Rohit Sharma by much. The South African star batsman has put together 3953 runs at an average of 39.53 and a strike-rate of 150.93. He has the opportunity to scale the 200-six mark this season and become just the second player to achieve the feat.

#1 Chris Gayle - 292 sixes

There’s absolutely no doubt who is at the top of the tree in the list of batsmen with most sixes in the IPL. Christopher Henry Gayle leads the sixes chart by a long way. In fact, he has hit more than 100 sixes more than the second-placed AB de Villiers.

Just like AB de Villiers, Gayle didn’t have a great first three years. But his move to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) turned the ride for him. He became the most feared batsman and topped almost all batting charts in the three-year period, 2011 to 2013. He hit sixes for fun and made a mockery of the opposition bowling.

The big Jamaican opener has scored six IPL tons which is the most by any player. He has amassed 3994 runs at an average of 41.17 and is the second highest run-getter among the overseas players.

However, with 292 sixes, Gayle is the clear winner and tops the list of most sixes.